CPPL@SNU
Our lab uses molecular genetics and plant phenomics to explore how plant pathogens become adapted to their hosts and environments, and how they manipulate their hosts to cause diseases. Our current studies and target pathogens are as follows.
1
Soft rot of cabbage
Pectobacterium carotovorum
Pectobacterium species are necrotrophic bacterial pathogens that can affect numerous vegetable crops. To cause characteristic maceration symptoms, they rely on plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, of which secretion is likely to be regulated by complex networks responsive to different environmental cues. Our focus is to identify host specificity determinants that initiate Pectobacterium infection. We are characterizing the early stages of bacterial pathogenesis ranging from chemotactic response to host colonization.
2
Pierce's disease of grape
Xylella fastidiosa
Pierce's disease (PD) is a lethal disease of grapevines. Its causal pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, is a xylem-limited bacterium that is transmitted by insect vectors. Given that the risk of disease-carrying vector emergence is getting increased in Korea due to climate changes, it is highly desirable to develop phenotypic markers of PD for monitoring in the field. Using spectral imaging, we are exploring the process of PD symptom development and characterizing molecular mechanisms applicable for its early detection.
